Meaning
to go; to head (somewhere); to proceed
Nuance & Usage
行く expresses movement away from the speaker toward a destination. It contrasts with 来る (kuru — to come, movement toward the speaker). A key point: in Japanese, the choice between 行く and 来る depends on the speaker's perspective, not physical direction. If you are already at the destination, use 来る even when inviting someone: 明日パーティーに来ますか？ (Are you coming to the party tomorrow?)
Common Mistakes
English speakers often misuse 行く vs 来る. In English, "Are you going to the party?" uses "go," but in Japanese you say 来ますか？ if you are the host. Also note: 行ってきます (itte kimasu) is the set phrase said when leaving home, literally "I'll go and come back" — never translate this word for word.
Example Sentences
明日、図書館に行きます。
あした、としょかんにいきます。
I will go to the library tomorrow.
一緒に行きませんか？
いっしょにいきませんか？
Would you like to go together?
来週、京都に行く予定です。
らいしゅう、きょうとにいくよていです。
I'm planning to go to Kyoto next week.
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 行く with 4 different question types.
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